Child of Thorns - A Pokemon Sinnoh Reimagining

The dim, sickly yellow of the CRT screen came to life without warning, and for once Pyxis wished the endless static could've continued for a little more.

She looked up from her chair apprehensively, lips pursed. The old T.V. hanging off the wall showed what must've been a news or an opinion channel, its host's voice clear enough so that she couldn't look down and ignore it.

"…massive resources pooled into rebuilding the affected Gyms will probably be nothing compared to what the eruption has already caused."

Another voice spoke out. A woman's.

"I guess we should be grateful that there were no casualties. The Association's quick response to the event–"

"An event they had to see coming. What happened with all that intel they were supposed to be gathering for months?"

"Yes, well. What's done is done. I'm more pressed to worry about the continuing catastrophe ensuing from this… well I wouldn't exactly call it a natural disaster, but you know. Physically alone, this will be a wound that will take a long time to heal."

"So it seems. Do you have the data about the current damages with you?"

"Believe it or not, the damage that both Veilstone and Celestic suffered are the least of our problems. The lava at the very base of the mountain has cooled into volcanic rock, and what continues to pour from the points of eruption does so slowly enough that it probably won't reach the cities again. Still… it will continue to pile up. Not to mention the incredible damage the eruption has already done to the local ecosystem of the mountain."

"Yes, I don't think that's something you can easily miss. How many hordes of wild Pokemon have stampeded into the surrounding cities in search of refuge?"

"I don't think there's a concrete number. But after that group of Hippowdon demolished an entire neighborhood near Solaceon… Well, that should tell you how well we're handling this."

A sigh was heard coming from the man, and while the bleached tone of the screen turned everything into simple blotches of color, Pyxis could perfectly imagine him leaning forward and holding his forehead with his palm.

"Right… And the noxious smoke that keeps coming out of the pouring lava…"

"Well, if the incredible heat of that smoke wasn't responsible for the hundreds of flying Pokemon corpses littered around the base of the mountain, then the toxic fumes inside certainly were. The Association said they were trying to come up with a way to traverse it but so far–"

Pyxis lazily reached for the remote and changed the channel, for how much good that'd do. She doubted there was a single one that wasn't talking about what they'd done. And all throughout, a single sentiment could be felt behind the heavy, dreary voices of the newscasters and those they interviewed.

Exhaustion. Anger. The sound of a people's patience stretching past its breaking point.

It was a sound Pyxis had long since wished to hear. One whose very existence she'd helped orchestrate with the fiercest of determination. And yet now, she couldn't bring herself to enjoy it.

The shaky screen focused once again. Another woman's voice broke through the static, recounting something from a paper in her hand.

"…while no Gym leader was killed during the meteor fall, rumors say that both Roark and Gardenia are in somewhat worrying condition, seeing as they haven't been seen exiting the hospitals they were rushed into soon after the incident. Candice and Fantina, leaders of the only two Gyms still standing, have responded to the allegations against them after–"

Another click, another burst of static before the image focused again. Another disembodied voice trying to dig itself deep into Pyxis.

"…during a recent protest in the streets of Jubilife, a small group of trainers seems to have attacked those protesting, claiming that they were provoked and that most of those protesting against the Association were clearly members of Team Galactic in disguise. Fortunately, local authorities were able to interfere before any serious injuries were dealt. The allegations made against the group of protesters haven't been confirmed, but regardless the surrounding neighbors of those suburbs joined the protest soon after the trainers' show of force, escalating the conflict even further. There's been a number of similar incidents all over–"

Click. Buzz. Voices.

"…nd in the Association's most recent interview, Lucian confirmed that the League challenge will be indefinitely postponed until Team Galactic is dealt with. When asked regarding Champion Cynthia's status and whether or not criminal charges would be brought up against, her, Lucian refused to–"

Pyxis closed her eyes and instinctively pressed the button again, this time to a dead channel. She could feel the static buzz inside of her. Under her skin, through her veins. It was uncomfortable, yet dulling at the same time. A distraction from all the voices and their confused, exhausted accusations. All sounding the same in her ears.

This is our fault.

She shook the thought off her head and frowned. Now was no time for that. They'd already gone too far. If they stopped now, what message would it send to those who gave their lives for Team Galactic's dream to become a reality? What justice would be made then? No, there was no time for regret. Those in power didn't let themselves be dragged down by such an emotion when it was time to put them down. Team Galactic would change the world. And the final piece in the board, the last hurdle that needed to be overcome for that to happen…

It is the only way, Cyrus had told her mere hours ago through an encoded broadcast. The girl must die, and you and the rest of the squads outside the mountain are the only ones who can do it. This is your chance to make things right.

But it hadn't been. Pyxis could barely reply then, guilt clogging up her throat. She'd had two previous chances to deal with Inyssa, and she'd squandered both of them incredibly. And last time… Those words she'd said to her…

She shook her head again. No. Sympathy, much like guilt, were inconsequential when it came to bringing about justice. Once the world was reborn, such emotions would no longer bother her. No longer weigh her down. If she could only hold out until then…

She took a deep breath, rising up from her chair. A burning determination burned the static away, pushing it toward the outside of her body, where it continued to buzz and hum.

"Hopefully third time's the charm," she whispered to herself. "Now… to find where they're keeping her."

Inyssa had believed that no call to her mother could have possibly been more awkward and anxiety-inducing than the last.

Then again, she hadn't expected her sister to vanish from reality.

"Oh I am so glad you're… I mean, gods… Inyssa you have no idea how worried I was!" Johanna's relief and pain came out with a bit of static from the other side of the screen. "How are you!? I saw on the news… That tower… Did you really fight someone up there? What on earth–!?"

Inyssa felt her patience thinning to its breaking point, but luckily another voice intervened before she could speak.

"It will be alright. Try to breathe, dear." A hand fell on Johanna's shoulder, and a moment after Fantina's pale face appeared on screen. "There's no need to worry. Inyssa is…" For a second she looked as though she'd say 'okay' but stopped herself. "…unharmed."

"I–y-yes of course, I'm…" The woman closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Inyssa didn't need to see to know that her hands were shaking. Trails of dry tears fell down her cheeks. "I should be grateful. My little girl… you're okay. I'm sorry, I just… can't bear the thought of losing the only family I have left. I'm sorry…"

That mere sentence hit her like a punch to the face. She had to bit her lower lip almost hard enough to break skin in order to stop it from shaking. Her eyes stung badly. But no, she would not cry. Her mother didn't know. Whatever bullshit magic had been responsible for erasing Shadi's memory from existence, it had clearly affected her too.

She had many grievances against Johanna, but she would not be as cruel as to tell her the truth. Not yet at least.

"You should not bear this burden alone, Inyssa," said Uxie. "Some memories are too heavy for a single person to–"

Uxie, do me a favor. Shut the fuck up.

The sheer poison behind that thought was enough to silence the legend completely.

Now… to this conversation. She needed to say something. Both her mother and Fantina were looking at her expectant. And if she wasn't mistaken, there was a hint of nervousness and guilt on the latter's face.

Could it be? she thought. In any case, one more reason to visit.

"It's… fine," she finally said after what felt like an eternity, her voice cold and rough like sandpaper. There was nothing fine about it or the way she looked. "Listen. I'll… We'll swing by your guys' place if that's okay. A friend and I."

Johanna's eyes went wide. "W-what?"

"Inyssa, all interstate travel has been banned by the Association," Fantina reminded her, an odd look on her face. "I could certainly enable some sort of teleportation for you, but seeing as you're still recovering from your battle…"

"Yes, that's right! The Association had to stop me from going up to Snowpoint myself. You should've seen me." Johanna shook her head in indignation. "Honey, I would love to have you here but I wouldn't want you to push yourself too–"

"It's fine," she said again, putting more emphasis into those words. Exhaustion clung to every decibel of her voice. "We can get there without anyone noticing. I can't wait until the ban is lifted or until I recover my strength."

"But…"

"Mom. This is important." She tried to imbue as much strength and belief into that statement as she could, though it wasn't much. "Do you trust me?"

"I–I..."

"Do you trust me?"

Johanna swallowed, clearly unsure of what to say. Inyssa knew this wasn't right. She was strong-arming her mother, preying on her desire to get on her good side, but she needed to do this. There was no time to lose.

Finally, she let out a sigh and gave her a weak nod.

"I guess it's time to put my money where my mouth is," she whispered, smiling. "I trust you, Niss. If you say this is important… I'll believe you."

Inyssa returned the smile with an ease that would have been impossible only a few months back.

"Thanks. We'll behave. And trust me, you'll like my friend," she said. "Oh and… Fantina?"

The Gym leader's gaze fell on her, and she couldn't help but shiver against the cold purple of those eyes.

"Yes, Inyssa?"

"I…" She swallowed. "I think we should have a talk when I get back. About Shadi, and everything else."

She watched for a reaction. Like she'd expected, Johanna simply blinked and tilted her head to the side, her expression that of someone who'd just heard a name she could have sworn she'd heard before, but couldn't place when. And Fantina…

There it is, thought Inyssa, half triumphant and half distraught. She's like me. She remembers.

"Huh? Shadi? You mean your Kricketune?" asked Johanna.

Neither of them answered. They simply looked into each other's eyes until finally Fantina looked away.

"Yes, I suppose we should." With that, she turned around, and said one last thing before heading off. "Vi and I will be waiting for you. She's been looking forward to thanking you in person."

"D-dear? Where are you… Oh, okay. Bye." Johanna looked over her shoulder as Fantina left the room. "Well then… is there something you two aren't telling me?"

The tone of her voice made Inyssa's lips quirk up slightly.

"We'll tell you later," she said. "Seriously, thank you. I promise I won't get into trouble on the way there."

"You say that, and yet…"

That earned a small chuckle from her.

"Yeah, I guess it's hard to dodge bullets when you're a magnet for them," she said.

"I'll trust you'll stay away from guns, then," smiled Johanna. "I can't wait to see you again, honey."

"Yeah, me t–"

"I'll make sure to find a way for you to go see Barry," she added. "I've been told he's slowly getting better. I mean… Sarah hasn't been answering my calls. I don't blame her of course but…" She took a deep breath, then shook her head. "We should be there for them in these trying times. We know what it feels like to…"

She didn't finish the sentence, but Inyssa didn't need her to. Her smile had dropped as soon as Barry's name had been spoken. She felt a sudden crackle behind her eyes and the light of the room fizzled out for a moment. The windows shook ever so slightly.

When her voice came out again, it felt as though a drowning static were running alongside it.

"…Right. Thanks. I'll talk to you later."

Metchi waited for her on the chair of her hospital room, one leg hoisted over the other, left hand absentmindedly passing a small knife between her fingers. When she saw Inyssa come in, she made a flourish and the knife disappeared into her sleeve.

"Ta-daa!" she exclaimed, making jazz hands.

Inyssa barely gave her a glance before sighing and heading for the things on top of her bed.

"Tough crowd, eh?" Metchi muttered under her breath. "That's okay. My dexterous fingers are good for a lot more things. Did you know I used to play bass? Unfortunately by the time I got good at it I realized that no one gives a shit about bassists, so…"

It was hard, but she kept her lips from going up. She didn't know why; Metchi was clearly trying to cheer her up and it's not like she had a grudge against her or anything. Part of her wanted to tell her that she'd practiced drums a lot when she was younger, that maybe they could make a good band if they found a guitarist, but they words didn't have enough energy to leave her mouth. So instead, she just nodded and looked down at the backpack and pile of clothes on top of her bed.

"Fantina said they'd be waiting for us," she finally said, the words coming out jagged and hoarse. "We should leave now."

Metchi hoisted herself up with a bit of effort, then folded her arms and raised an eyebrow at her. "You're… not even gonna say goodbye?"

"I don't have time for stupid explanations."

The look on Metchi's face made it clear she had no trouble seeing through her bullshit, but thankfully she kept it to herself and simply nodded. In truth, she wasn't worried about an awkward goodbye. She just didn't want to talk to Candice or Maylene, not after what had happened. She knew that they weren't responsible for her sister's fate, but the fact that they still didn't believe her… that they still thought she was being delusional…

I risked my life for this fucking town, she thought bitterly, and all I get is worry and pity. Fuck them.

"Oh, by the way…"

She spoke without looking up, rifling through her backpack, leaving behind anything she wouldn't need for the journey –like books, magazines or a portable console– and putting in as many clothes and supplies as she could fit inside.

"…I'm pretty sure Fantina remembers Shadi. I saw it in her face."

Metchi spat out some air. "Then I guess we go forward with plan 'The only one we have', huh?"

Again, Inyssa struggled to keep herself from smiling. There was something odd, different, about Metchi that hadn't been there a few months ago when they met on the way to Hearthome. The dislike and bitterness from back then was completely gone. They'd tried to force it a bit as soon as they saw each other again, but it simply didn't stick. Metchi clearly had no ill feelings about her anymore. Which was good, considering they were now planning to travel back to Hearthome together.

She'd shown up in Snowpoint out of goddamn nowhere, and had found Inyssa in her hospital room less than a day after she'd been admitted. Thankfully, her wounds hadn't been severe. She was fully conscious and only a little bit groggy, which meant she could explain to Maylene and Candice that no, Metchi wasn't an assassin and yes, she did know her, even if she had no fucking clue why she was here.

And just like that, with only a couple hours of talking, they put the pieces together regarding the Lake Trio, Dialga and Palkia, Nyss' true story and how they all fit in with Shadi's terrifying powers and Team Galactic's true plan. And most importantly; they'd come up with a plan of action.

Inyssa was just as surprised as Metchi and the two Gym leaders with how practical and coherent she was during those hours, considering she hadn't slept a wink and had instead been switching from a cold, distant state of dissociation to sobbing, shaking panic attacks after hearing what had happened to Barry and his father. But of course they were surprised. They weren't her. They simply didn't understand.

Her sister's disappearance… Barry's state and the death of his father… it was too much. Too heavy. She'd sworn to never bury the truth within herself again like she'd done with Shadi, but that didn't mean she could take all of that at once. She needed a distraction. To do something, to at least try to make things better even if it was in such a small, insignificant way.

It wouldn't bring Shadi or Palmer back, but it was better than nothing. She would deal with those feelings –with the reality she was now in– slowly, carefully. And in the meantime, this would certainly help.

"…Yeah," she finally said, taking in a deep breath. "We make our way to Hearthome and we ask Fantina for answers. Then… we'll go from there."

It was the only lead they had. Fantina clearly knew something. She'd implied as much the first time Inyssa had met her, and now that she knew she'd been helping Shadi with her project regarding Darkrai and that strange dark plate…

And she's Sanbica's mother too, she remembered, frowning. She HAS to know something about this Chaos thing and whatever it has to do with all of this.

"So… since she remembers Shadi," added Metchi, "doesn't that mean that your theory is wrong?"

Inyssa shook her head. At first she'd thought that she was the only one in the world who remembered Shadi, but Metchi clearly did too. Then she'd theorized that only those who'd bonded with the siblings of the Lake would've been unaffected by whatever wiped her sister out of everyone's memory. But now…

"Maybe she has another way to not be affected," she shrugged. "Doesn't matter. Just another question to ask once we get there."

"…Right."

She looked like she wanted to say something else, maybe crack a joke, but couldn't think of anything, so she simply nodded and headed for the door.

"I'll go change then. And give you the chance to do the same," she said. "See you outside in five?"

"Yeah," she replied automatically, then forced herself to add. "And… er, thanks. You know. For all this. And for not being an asshole."

Metchi stopped beside her and gave her a sly wink.

"I figured you've gone through enough recently. You know, what with being clearly both mentally and emotionally unstable," she said. "So I'll save my teasing for other people."

At that, Inyssa couldn't hold it in. She let out a small chuckle.

"I've been that way for a while. I'll be fine."

"That… doesn't sound as reassuring as you think it does, but hey, at least you're being humorous about it," shrugged Metchi. "We'll figure it out, shortie."

She made a gesture as though she were patting her on the back, then left the room. Inyssa stood there for a few seconds, still looking down at her pile of new clothes, now that her old outfit had been torn apart by the thunder she had called down on her own sister.

She swallowed, closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Yeah," she whispered to no one. "Let's hope."

She hurried to change into her new clothes, the sharp cold of the room sending painful shivers down her bare skin. It was a simple outfit. Sneakers, grey winter pants, skintight leather gloves, a black sweater over a white shirt and a thick, grayish blue parka that felt a tad too big for her.

Then again, maybe that was for the better. Normally she wouldn't be caught dead wearing something so plain, but this was the only way if they wanted to avoid trouble on their way to Hearthome. Not only would they be breaking the law, but Galactic grunts would surely be after them. And at this point she was pretty sure her distinctive hat and red jacket were what most people pictured when they thought of her. The latter had been torn apart during her fight with Shadi.

Which only left…

After hoisting her backpack over her shoulder, the only item that remained atop the bed was the familiar white wool hat she'd worn almost every day ever since the start of her journey. It was the only part of her outfit that had survived that night unscathed. She couldn't help but sneer at the thought.

Before, she would've considered it a blessing. But after regaining her buried memories, after remembering who had originally given that hat to her…

Her eyes flared unconsciously, and in the exact manner she didn't fucking want to happen, that image flashed across them. Siffa… Mars… Smiling at her so genuinely. Her red eyes looking warm and caring instead of…

S-Stop!

Inyssa shook her head violently and took a step back, holding her temple with one hand. The world returned to normal. The only difference was that her heart rate had spiked and now she could feel every beat in her ears like a drum. A sudden hotness ran down her skin. Breathing became quicker, harder.

"Inyssa…"

I'm fine, she snapped at Uxie, teeth grit. I'm fine!

It took an entire minute of standing still and controlling her breathing for her body to realize that no, she wasn't in mortal danger and no, she wouldn't appreciate a panic attack right at this fucking moment, thank you very much. By the time she was back to normal, Inyssa could feel sweat running down her forehead. Her muscles felt sore.

"I'm… fine," she repeated to no one, clutching a hand against her chest. "I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier. I'm just…

"I understand," Uxie hurried to say. "I am here for you, Inyssa."

Inyssa pursed her lips, but didn't say or think anything back. Instead, she looked down at the wool hat as though it had been responsible for what had just happened.

That made it clear, at least. She couldn't take it with her. Hell, she wasn't even sure if she would ever want it back. Why not simply burn it? The mere idea that she'd been carrying a gift from Mars for so long… it made her want to wretch. And yet…

She sighed.

Even if that wasn't the case, I have no use for it anymore, she thought sadly. After today…

She shook her head again, then gave the hat one last glance before turning on her heel and leaving the room.

"Look, Dawn, all we're saying is that maybe you should stop for a minute and try to think things over."

Inyssa glared at the two women blocking the hospital's exit. Behind them, the clear glass window showed a mild hail, flakes of glittering white slowly piling up around the entrance of the building.

"Are you going to stop me?" she asked Candice and Maylene.

"Well no, but…"

"Then there' s no point to this conversation," she said. "Move over."

Maylene scoffed. "Oh don't be so difficult you little sh–!"

"Maylene." Candice grabbed onto her girlfriend's arm, shooting her a warning look. Then she turned to Inyssa. "We won't stop you, Inyssa, but I just want to make sure you will be okay."

"Metchi and my Pokemon will keep my safe. It will be okay, I promise."

The Gym leaders exchanged a look so transparently worried that Inyssa suddenly felt a lot better about her own inability to hide her emotions. She would've laughed if it weren't so rude.

"Inyssa..." Candice bit her lip, unsure of what to say. "What we told you about what we'd be doing from now on… We could tell Cynthia to contact you. Let you in on the group. If what you're after is to stop Team Galactic."

"She can't help me with this," said Inyssa. "And if the time comes… I'm sure I can find her on my own."

"…Alright." Candice's shoulders slumped slightly, a look of disappointment on her face. "Listen. We honestly can't thank you enough for what you've done for this town. And if we said or did anything that angered you…"

She shook her head, avoiding her gaze.

"It's not your fault," she said. "Just… let's leave it at that, please."

"… Very well."

Candice unfolded her arms, and for a second Inyssa feared that she might walk forward and hug her, but instead she dug a hand into the pocket of her jacket and kept it there for a moment, as though debating herself whether she should pull it out or not.

"There is… one last thing," she said. "Darkrai and Cresselia told me they wanted you to have this."

It was a thin, ornate wooden box the size of her palm, like those her mother used to put jewelry in, only a lot older looking. She frowned and took it, brushing her fingers against the wood. Even through her gloves she could feel the soft, polished texture and unexpected low weight, as though it were made of something only slightly heavier than air. Despite the material itself looking plain, she could feel a multitude of carved patterns all throughout the surface, though she couldn't tell what they represented.

"They left it with me before heading out for Newmoon and Fullmoon island, in order to recover their strength," continued Candice. "They're sorry for not being here to say goodbye, but hope that this gift can be thanks enough."

Inyssa shook her head, still taken by the strange material the box was made of. Whatever wood it was, she'd never heard of it. Putting it close to her ear, she gave it a little shake, though no sound came from inside.

"Er… well, tell them thanks next time you see them," she shrugged. "Should I…?"

"You're free to open it at any time," smiled Candice. "Though they advised it might be better to wait until the right moment."

"And that would be…?"

"No idea."

She let out another sigh, though this time it was more amused than irritated. Despite herself, she found herself smiling back.

"Alright… thanks. I guess I'll be seeing you."

Candice nodded, then raised a hand in front of her chest, forming a half-circle with her thumb and index finger. The same gesture she'd received back in Celestic. The Gym leader didn't need to say the words for her to remember them.

May the moon always guide you.

She returned the gesture, then turned her gaze toward Maylene. Her eyebrow was raised and her face still seemed to say 'this fucking brat…' but regardless she raised a hand toward her, open palmed. The sharp sound of the high-five echoed down the hallway.

"Take care out there, Dawn. And whatever you do, keep fighting the good fight."

Ever since they'd met again, Metchi hadn't been sure exactly what kind of person Inyssa was, except for a very tired, battered one. But as they arrived on the shore of Lake Acuity, she figured she had an idea. Inyssa was the kind of person who'd veer miles off her path just for a symbolic gesture no one but her would give a shit about.

Not that it was a bad thing, of course. But…

"So… walk me through your thought process here again," she muttered, thick vapor leaving her lips as she spoke. "We came all the way here just to throw something away? What, the other 99.9% of this barren, uninhabited frozen wasteland just wasn't good enough for you?"

Even though she was standing behind her, she could feel Inyssa rolling her eyes. She stood alongside her Staraptor, mere inches from the gently swaying water, somehow still unfrozen despite the unforgiving cold. There was an odd sheen on those waters. One which, if she squinted at just the right time, she could catch gleaming back behind Inyssa's eyes.

"This is just more practical," she finally said, barely hearable over the wind. "Uxie, you said I won't be able to get them back if I throw them here?"

"Indeed."

The legend's voice echoed through the air, and just like the first time she'd heard it, a single thought came to Metchi.

Wow, I thought Azelf was bad but Uxie just sounds like a fucking nerd.

"These waters are special, as I've mentioned," said Uxie. "Any non-living thing thrown into them will be impossible to find, I assure you."

"…I guess that works."

From within her pocket she took out a thin rectangular case and opened it gently. The seven badges within sparkled against the sun. Inyssa stared at them like someone staring at their own soon-to-be amputated leg, and the way her lower lip trembled ever so slightly almost made Metchi ask if she was really sure about this.

But… no. She wasn't this kid's fucking nanny. After everything she'd been through, all the impossible situations she'd survived, she could make her own decisions. And most importantly, she could learn to live with them.

It happened suddenly, Inyssa probably willing herself not to delay it any further. They both saw as the case flew through the air and then sank with a plop into the icy waters, both it and the badges inside instantly disappearing from view.

A sound came out of Inyssa's throat, though she managed to disguise it as a cough. At her side, her Staraptor worriedly shuffled closer and rubbed his head against her hip. He was met with a warm, forced smile and a playful scratch under his chin.

"It'll be alright. I'm not leaving you guys or anything. And I definitely won't stop training," she whispered, so much love and care in her voice. "I just… I can't do this. I can't pretend this is what I really want anymore."

"Riaa…"

"Yeah. No more bullshit. No more smoke and mirrors. No more lies."

She wasn't sure if the Staraptor understood what Inyssa was saying, but that didn't seem to matter much. He was there. His mere presence was probably helping her more than any words could. Metchi knew the feeling well from years of traveling alongside Lyserg.

The adorableness of these two aside, however…

"Do I also get a playful scratch?" she asked. "Or can we move this along?"

Inyssa shot her a look she was very familiar with, rolling her eyes again.

"Sure. Let's get going," she said, placing a hand on the Staraptor's forehead. "It's a long flight to Hearthome and we can't afford to waste any time."